Help: To Tailor or Not To Tailor?

Now that Ann Taylor carries 00P and XXSP’s in-store, I was finally able to try some stuff on. I had a bunch of things but only liked three out of like 10 things I tried on. For some reason, I was compelled to buy this complete suit. There was just something about it, the texture maybe or who knows if I just got suckered in by the 40% off sale. Let me know if you think this is alterations worthy:
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Top: Ann Taylor Ruffle Shell (factory)- size XXSP
Skirt: Ann Taylor Textured Pencil Skirt– Size 00P (buy here)
Jacket: Ann Taylor Cotton Blend w/Hidden Placket Blazer– size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Porcini Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Aldo Patent Taupe Pumps– size 5 (buy here)
I’ve been wanting a white/cream skirt suit for the longest time. Since my Theory Gratian Ivory suit was un-successful… I’ve been on the hunt.  I found one linen skirt suit set  at the Ann Taylor factory but it was about the same price as this one! I decided to pass because it seemed to wrinkle really easily. 
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The jacket at first glance on the hanger looked like an “old lady” blazer..almost borderline senior citizen? Maybe it’s the hidden placket style or the 3 buttons-not really sure.  But when I tried it on, it felt like it sort of fit (minus the sleeves). I would wear it unbuttoned which I think will look much better and less “old”. I typically wouldn’t even grab it to try on but since I found the matching skirt, I figured why not. 

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I love the texture of this suit. It’s different and the Ecru color is really pretty. So I would have to tailor the skirt hem, possibly the sides, and the blazer sleeves. The waist is big but I think I can get away with it wearing a belt.  I am torn. I do love the color, texture and length of the jacket so I am leaning towards yes to tailoring? I know I would get a lot of use out of the skirt since I can mix and match. This could potentially be a super cute suit once it’s tailored!
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Blouse: LOFT boyfriend hidden placket- size XXSP (AT’s version here)
Ann Taylor Yvonne Tweed Skirt– size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100’s– size 35/5 (buy here)

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Here is another item I found during the 40% off sale. I tried on 9 different skirts and only this one I fell in love with.  Ann Taylor skirts have never fit me right. The waist and hips are always too big which means more money on alterations. Not that I need ANOTHER tweed skirt but this one just felt so right when I tried it on! I like that it’s very light weight which means maybe I can get away with wearing it year round. It could be a little more fitted and I am considering taking up the hem….but the 00P isn’t as big as all the other skirts.  I got it for about $41 after discounts. Not bad considering some of my H & M pencil skirts are $34.95. It’s fully lined and the quality is amazing.

So please share your thoughts with me. Is the first suit worth tailoring? And do I need to take up the hem on the tweed skirt?
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  1. On the Ecru suit I'd definitely take up the hem of the skirt. The sleeves are way too long but can you shorten them? you'll lose the opening. I am so sick of long sleevs , they do really ruin the look. Do the cuffs actually unbutton? If so try wearing them unbottoned and turned back. It's a bit quirky, and may not work, but it might. Opening turnback cuffs are said to originate from British hunting.

    The tweed skirt is fine as it is I think.

  2. Guess what I'm wearing today??? My LOFT boyfriend hidden placket shirt in the same color. but I can only wear it casually untucked bc it's too wide on me to tuck.

    OK 1st suit. I like grandma things sometimes, so I think the suit is totally ok. but alterations are a must! and I think it's worth it, esp for a full suit. Def hem the skirt of the suit and the sleeves.

    Next: I think the tweed skirt is fine. but I know you like it at least an inch higher. Keep it like this until it bothers you, then consider hemming it.

    Hm…I'd really like to find this tweed skirt. Tweet me tag if you can???

  3. Personally, I ADORE that suit! Especially with the blue blouse. Gorgeous colors on you! I say that if you love something enough, it's worth tailoring.

  4. Question – what is a hidden placket? I've been seeing that word around a lot recently but can't figure it out!

    And as for tailoring, the hem could be taken up on the cream skirt, but the tweed one looks like its already hitting above the knee so it looks fine

  5. I actually quite like the length of the gray tweed skirt on you, so I vote to alter the beige skirt to the same length. Also, sleeve hemming job on the beige jacket is a must too. Thank you for sharing these items with us!

  6. Tayloring! I love it because it gives me that perfect fit. But I usually wait until I have enough money to do a bulk of items. I just make sure I buy the pieces I love at first and when I have extra cash, I taylor them!

    The sleeves fit you pretty well although I like mine even a little shorter (like a 1/4 inch below my wrist). The beige skirt hem could also be raised just a little, but the gray skirt is perfect. I do love that suit, so versatile!

  7. Twin on the blouse and the shoes!! I love this blouse so so much, I got all three colors! Keep giving me outfit ideas!

  8. There is nothing "old" about your suit and you look graceful in both outfits. Perhaps shorten the suit skirt by an inch but don't go too far above or won't be work appropriate.
    Any menswear/suit tailor in your area? Fee is lower and they do a better job altering suit sleeves. Alteration on a jacket with button holes (majority of them, what a pain)opening is lots more complicated. Shortening process starts from the shoulder to preserve the sleeve opening. Extra steps involve and regular seamstress cannot handle the work. Get a honest opinion and price quote from a suit tailor.
    Good luck…btw, you are so pretty.
    SN of NY

  9. I think the suit is gorgeous and not at all "grandma-like" however, I do feel that a little bit of tailoring would make it look even more gorgeous. Particularly on the sleeves of the jacket. As for the tweed skirt, I think it looks perfect as is. The grey and pink combo looks really pretty

  10. I think you should keep the suit and have it tailored. I tried on the skirt in-person and really liked the texture (didn't love the jacket), and like you said it will be good for pairing with other items. If you've been looking for a full set in this color for a while, this is probably one of the better options out there. Maybe when you find your dream Theory light suit you can then sell this one to a fellow petite.

    As for the last tweed skirt, I think it may need slimming along the waist/hips, which may bring up the length. You can see the extra space in the skirt in each photo (first one, the large "wrinkle" that goes diagonally across your thighs) and this is something I personally experienced with this skirt and almost ALL my other Ann Taylor 00P skirts. I finally took my old AT skirts that I thought were ok to be taken in, and it is an amazing feeling to not have that extra looseness. It may feel acceptable now, but after being tailored a little it will feel perfect, so why not spend the little extra to make it perfect?

  11. I'm on the tall side but I love your blog so much I'm now following. I love your tailored and stylish work-appropriate outfits and the beautiful photographs. I found your blog through A Fine Balance

    As for your post, I agree with some of the comments that the sleeves could be taken in but I think the skirt is fine as is.

    I'm looking forward to future outfits!

    http://asecondglanceblog.blogspot.com/